Jina Li - Geneva, Switzerland

Career goal: Using real data and analysis to influence policy decisions on health systems and environment.

Internship outline: Jina interned at the World Health Organization. Under the Cost-Effectiveness, Expenditure, and Priority Settings unit, she had the opportunity to work extensively on data sets using statistical methods and inference. The work enables staff members to obtain economic evaluations on interventions and treatments of the disease of interest — which influences policy decisions — and health and regulation guidelines. Additionally, she had opportunities to attend the World Health Assembly, and explored other health-related organizations such UnitAID, Fondation Brocher and PATH.

Value of experience: My first project required missing value imputation, which I had little prior knowledge. I was a little intimidated but after reading numerous papers and experiencing dozens of failed attempts trying to apply different methods, I was able to churn out a decent product. Although the dataset would go on helping people throughout the organization and beyond to make cost-effective decisions, the value of this project for me lies in the fact that I was able to learn and apply, by myself. In university settings, we usually only learn, with aid. At WHO, the dataset was real and the papers were difficult to read. I gained a lot more confidence after the project, a feeling that is much needed in order to be successful in everyday life.

Best moment/experience: When my preceptor told me my work is much appreciated and valued.

Jina Li

Geneva, Switzerland

World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland

Lobby decorations in WHO main building during the World Health Assembly.

Geneva, Switzerland

Art for AIDS exhibit in UNAIDS building. The art is by Leo Copers, and the painting is made from infected human blood. The artwork enables ArtAids, a new foundation based in Amsterdam, to obtain money to provide treatment for people living with HIV.

Geneva, Switzerland

These are displays on the floor I worked on. At WHO, most people believe in Universal Health Coverage and its attainment throughout the world. On the first display panel, you can see the definition of Universal Health Coverage.

Geneva, Switzerland

My office for the summer, a peaceful and memorable spot.

Geneva, Switzerland

My supervisors

Geneva, Switzerland

View from the United States’ seat after an Assembly session.

Geneva, Switzerland

A merry reunion of YSPH students after the World Health Assembly.

Geneva, Switzerland

A committee meeting for the World Health Assembly is in session, with diplomats who are in charge of the committee issues for their countries seated on the main floor.

Geneva, Switzerland

A side meeting for the World Health Assembly is in session, with panelists seated at the front and the audience comprised of delegates, various organization representatives and interns. This photo was taken during the session on regulatory systems strengthening, which was organized by the delegation of the United States, the World Bank and the Global Fund. Among the panelists is FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg, M.D.

Geneva, Switzerland

One of many display panels at the World health Assembly, where conversations are started and ideas are generated.

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